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UCF’s Tyren Hornes Tabbed a Top-10 Freshman Wr in FBS
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- UCF’s Tyren Hornes Tabbed a Top-10 Freshman Wr in FBS
(Mike Watters/Imagn Images)
The UCF Knights have a gem on their hands in Tyren Hornes, who is breaking out in his freshman season against the Big 12's talented defenses.
Hornes is the ninth-best-graded freshman receiver in the FBS with a 74.1 rating, per PFF College on X. His rating is one point better than Southern California 's Kayden Dixon Wyatt and 0.3 points lower than San José State's Carson Clark.
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A career-best performance in a historic upset over then-No. 2 BYU put Hornes on the radar. He finished with 137 yards on six catches and converted crucial first downs to keep UCF's drives alive.
Coach Scott Frost and offensive coordinator Steve Cooper called a designed wide receiver screen on third-and-18 in the third quarter for the freshman. He broke several tackles and sprinted down the sideline for 56 yards, placing the team in scoring position again.
Quarterback Keyone Jenkins punched in a 1-yard touchdown to give UCF a 24-21 lead in the fourth quarter before BYU tied the game.
He made a clutch play in double overtime after the quarterback threw his third touchdown. Hornes dove into the end zone to catch the two-point conversion to upset the Cougars.
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The freshman earned the trust of his quarterback and coaching staff over the season. He tallied three receptions in three games, and his production increased once conference play began.
His performance against then-No. 20 Houston marked his rise on the depth chart. Hornes caught four passes for 34 yards, including an 18-yard reception before halftime.
Jenkins connected with the freshman for his first career touchdown against then-No. 18 Oklahoma State before halftime, tying the game at 21 apiece.
Hornes' ascension is a promising sign for the future of the Knights' receiving corps. Josh Derry and Duane Thomas Jr. are seniors and will likely depart after this season.
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Waden Charles and Hornes will step up as the leaders and top players. Charles has also broken out this season in an increased role, tallying 217 yards and two touchdowns on 18 catches.
The young duo are two of Jenkins' top targets. Their reliability has been key in UCF competing against ranked foes and pulling off its first win over an AP Top-5 team in program history.
Hornes could have another impressive performance in Friday's Space Game against Baylor. The Bears allow 236 passing yards per game, leaving room for Jenkins to spread the wealth for his fourth straight 200-yard-plus game.
